nabla_theta pushes back: publicity via controversy differs from influence in AI safety discourse
nabla_theta · x · 2026-09-22
- Responding to ohabryka's critique, nablatheta argues that engaging the public doesn't require a Machiavellian relationship with the world.
- He contrasts his own joy in thinking and coding in a shitty t-shirt in front of a blackboard with the pleasure others take in suiting up before congresspeople or TV cameras.
- The key condition: those seeking publicity must still genuinely care about truth and good, and he doesn't think EA has gone off the rails.
- He also distinguishes publicity from influence, noting controversy and weirdness often buy publicity more easily.
Related event: AI Safety Researchers Debate Whether Public Image-Building Matters(2 posts)→
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